Who Moved My Cheese

An allegory.

"Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson is one of the most popular motivational books about change and individual reactions to change. The plot uses an allegory, making the concepts easy to understand while using a straightforward yet powerful story. The setting is a maze where four characters are racing for cheese: two mice named Sniff and Scurry and two little people named Hem and Haw.

The story starts with all four characters stumbling on a massive deposit of cheese in one portion of the maze. This cheese represents how the characters define success: a secure job, a committed partnership, or material wealth. Everything felt blissful and flawless in the beginning.

But as the days pass, the supply of cheese diminishes. Sniff and Scurry, two observant mice, immediately set out to find new cheese. Their intuitive way of handling change suggests how easily they can deal with the matter without overthinking it and making it complex. They represent simple, functional reactions to change involving preparedness and the immediacy of action.

However, Hem and Haw, the little people,

are more sluggish to act. First, they deny, refusing to accept their reduced cheese. Hem is for those who fear change and hope for a return to the old ways. Haw adapts. Initially resistant, like Hem, Haw acknowledges the change and embarks on a quest for fresh cheese. Their reactions are not uncommon, and many readers may find themselves in similar situations, feeling reassured that they are not alone in their struggles with change.

Thus, Haw's journey is instrumental to the book's core message, for he learns that developing and fulfilling oneself through change is necessary. His maze journey and discoveries symbolize the benefits of embracing change. As he travels, he posts messages on the maze walls, asking Hem to come out of the labyrinth to explore new openings.

The story teaches that change is inevitable and that attitude shapes happiness and success. The key points show what must be done to handle change, providing practical advice and strategies. The book teaches how to navigate life's uncertainties through examples of resistance and acceptance, empowering readers to confidently face their own changes and take control of their lives.

It’s important to understand that this is not a children’s story and that it has had a powerful impact on people whose marriages, work environments, and relationships with friends and family have vastly improved as a result of reading this amazing story.

I urge everyone to read “Who Moved the Cheese.”